CD Review: Julie Fowlis' 'Gach sgeul'

Julie Fowlis
Gach sgeul
Machair Records

Scotland's talented Gaelic singer, Julie Fowlis, delivers us a folksy, Gaelic-soaked album of traditional tunes and original songs across eleven tracks. Julie begins the album with a solemn ballad, "A Ghaoil, Leig Dhachaigh Gum Mhathair Mi," which is led by Julie's vocals and string accompaniment. Throughout the album, various instruments take over, including the bouzouki, fiddle, guitar, harmonium, piano accordion, double bass, assorted percussion, cello, flute, uileann pipes, bodhran, whistle, viola, and highland pipes. The jaunty "Danns' A Luidheagan Odhar" is a lively and uppity tune with Julie's stellar vocals taking the charge. The songs are more melodic on this recording than previous releases, which probably makes it more accessible to Gaelic, folk, European, and vocal music fans. Whatever it is, Julie knows how to create beautiful music. Gach sgeul, which means "every story," accurately depicts different stories in song form. Whether it is traditional or contemporary, Julie mesmerizes all who listen. Check it out today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Scotland's Julie Fowlis with 'LIVE At Perthshire Amber'

Julie Fowlis

Live At Perthshire Amber

Machair Records

Recorded on October 29th, 2010 at the Perthshire Amber Festival in Scotland, Live At Perthshire Amber is the first live album release from Julie Fowlis. The Scottish-Gaelic singer also plays flute on this one. Additional muscians include her husband and bouzouki player, Eamon Doorley, Duncan Chisholm on fiddle, Tony Byrne on gutiar, Martin O'Neill on bodhran, and Dougie MacLean on tenor guitar. The album opens with a solo vocal performance by Julie. The instrumentation joins in on subsequent tracks with all the energy and enthusiasm of a Scottish festival without being too big to detract from its family-sized, humble roots as a perfect introduction into a quaint musical gathering. The album is scattered with introductions, applause, and praise. However, the audience is quite respectful and never overpowers the music or instruments. Thirteen tracks are culled from Julie's previous releases, Uam, Cuilidh, and Mar a Tha Ma Chridhe. The vocal calisthenics are astounding, and at first glance, difficult to discern for the listener not well-versed in Gaelic. Luckily, the music stands out high above any linguistic incapacities. Enjoy Julie 'Live...' wherever you are! ~ Matthew Forss